The company at the centre of an illegal meat investigation has been sentenced by The Central Criminal Court after being found guilty of diverting unfit meat back into the food supply chain.
Following an investigation by Southwark Council and the Food Standards Agency’s National Crime Unit (NFCU), Fear Animal Products Ltd was fined £132,000 and ordered to pay £150,000 in costs, both to be paid in full within 12 months. Sole director, Anthony Fear, was separately ordered to pay £150,000 in costs within 12 months, and £35,483.63 under the Proceeds of Crime Act within three months. The total financial penalties amount to £467,483.63.
Fear Animal Products Ltd was convicted in August 2025, alongside Anthony Fear and three other defendants – Mark Hooper, Azar Irshad and Ali Afzal. All four individuals received custodial sentences.
The case followed a “complex investigation” that began when Southwark officers discovered 1.9 tonnes of Category 3 animal by-products, including whole and cut chickens, lamb’s testicles and beef burgers, being processed for sale into the human food chain at an illegal meat cutting plant in London.
“I hope that the substantial financial penalties… makes it clear that food crime does not pay and serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in this type of criminality.”
Andrew Quinn, FSA NFCU
Andrew Quinn, head of the FSA’s NFCU said: “Today’s sentencing brings to a close a significant and complex investigation that demonstrates the NFCU’s determination to pursue not just individuals, but the companies that profit from food crime.
“I hope that the substantial financial penalties, totalling over £467,000, makes it clear that food crime does not pay and serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in this type of criminality. I want to extend thanks to all partners involved in this case including Southwark, Devon, and Somerset councils. Working together, we have shown what can be achieved when agencies combine their expertise and resources to tackle serious food crime.”
Councillor David Watson, executive member for community safety and engagement, said: “This sentencing sends a clear message that Southwark refuses to stand by and watch anyone trading in food or any other products that do not meet proper standards for health and safety.
“I’m proud of the work of our Trading Standards team, as well as that of our colleagues at the NFCU in bringing this case forward, getting justice for our community, and most importantly keeping our residents safe.”
